In my view, Danforth was out of touch on almost every comment. He missed the point on Terri Schiavo. Nobody threw anything "overboard . . . at the bidding of religious activists." I don't believe "wedge issues" caused people to vote against anything. To the contrary. This country is looking for strong leadership on diverse issues. I do agree, however, with Danforth's statement that politicians "want to be elected." He should have added: irrespective of morals, integrity, or conscience. Danforth's comments on the Episcopal Church made me wonder if he belongs to a church or a social club.
JACK BRADY
West Covina, Calif.
Patriots, Pride, Pain
Thank you for your article "Vermont's War" [January 22]. As a seventh-generation Vermonter, I know that when our country has called, Vermonters have responded since the days of Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys. Although I don't personally know the families involved, I feel that I do because Vermont is such a small state and our local media have done a great job of highlighting them. My thoughts and prayers are with the families in their time of loss.
BILL EDDY
South Burlington, Vt.
Yes, the war we instigated with Iraq has taken a toll on Vermonters, as well as thousands of others in our country and countless Iraqis. While I feel the pain of the families and friends of our slain soldiers, I don't believe the best way to honor their memories is to continue having a military presence in Iraq. The war was a mistaken venture in the first place, and the American people were lied to regarding our government's reasons for entering Iraq. While leaving will certainly not produce results that we wish to see and very well may engender more violence in the region, staying is not an option either. I recognize that watching Iraq descend further into civil war and the destabilization of the gulf region is painful for the families of the soldiers who gave their lives. But I cannot believe families of the dead would want more soldiers to participate in some misguided effort to ensure lives were not sacrificed for naught. There is no good reason to prolong the suffering and destroy the lives of more families.
ANITA KELMAN
West Brookfield, Vt.
Thank you for this well-written article. It showed the good state of Vermont's people today remain as loyal to the armed services of the United States as they have been since the first months of the American Revolutionary War. What I do have a concern about was your description of Vermont being a liberal state, seemingly because of the influence of its Democratic Party. Vermonters are not just Democratic or liberal in political persuasion. Vermonters are some of the most ardent, true patriots this country could ever hope to have.
DANIEL KENNEDY
Seattle
Military Medal Awards
U.S. military medals are not won by service members as mentioned in "Third Time's the Charm, Unless You're Being Sent to Iraq" [White House Week, January 22]. There is no competition between soldiers or sailors to win medals. Military medals and ribbons are awards. They are bestowed upon the deserving soldier or sailor.
PAUL M. WILLIAMS
Rochester, N.Y.
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